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Punishment is the old, unenlightened way right? Wrong! Punishment, used correctly, will save your sanity and slay those unwanted behaviours. Punishment is essential in the parent’s toolbox. Some people think it has no place, but it can save you a lot of time to get to the same destination -- and that time can be used by the child to learn other things.

What can punishment do for parents?

Punishment is only good for turning off behaviour. You cannot teach a child what TO DO with punishment, only what NOT TO DO. If you have a child with a behaviour that you want to extinguish, then punishment is sometimes, but not always, one of the best ways to do it.

* Does your child leave messes behind? Punishment can help.

* Is your child mean or rude to others? Punishment can help.

* Does your child have tantrums when she doesn’t get her way? Punishment can help.

On the other hand:

* Does your child have messy writing? Punishment will not help.

* Does your child use their hands to eat? Punishment will not help.

* Is your child afraid to swim on his own? Punishment will not help.

It isn’t black or white. Punishment can have weak or strong learning effects in many situations.